“Ivy’s POV”
It had been three days since the banquet. Three days since I started hearing whispers from the guards. Three days since Leon gave new rules without ever saying them to my face.
No going to the east wing without a guard.
No talking to visitors unless Leon was there.
No more walks in the garden unless they were scheduled.
I wasn’t told. I found out when I was turned away.
Like I was a child.
Like I couldn’t be trusted.
And today, Cian was still in the castle. The excuse was another follow-up meeting with Leon about alliance terms. But I knew better. He stayed because of me. And I didn’t stop him.
I should have.
But I didn’t.
I was in the courtyard when it happened.
The morning had been calm—fake calm. That kind of peace that made your stomach tighten because you knew
